If you’re a fan of garlic bread and love the combination of cheese and chicken, then you’re in for a treat!
Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread is the perfect fusion of rich flavors, crispy textures, and gooey goodness.
This recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in under an hour.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a delicious snack, or serving up a satisfying side dish, this cheesy, garlicky delight will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Bread Base:
- 1 large French baguette or Italian bread loaf
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Chicken Topping:
- 1 ½ cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined into a smooth spreadable mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Topping
- In another bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, mayonnaise (if using), paprika, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is well coated and the mixture is creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Garlic Bread
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the baguette or bread loaf in half lengthwise and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Evenly spread the prepared garlic butter over both halves of the bread.
- Spoon the creamy chicken mixture on top of the buttered bread, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese over the chicken mixture.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes over the cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Garlic Bread
- Place the prepared garlic bread in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- For an extra crispy top, turn the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the cheesy chicken garlic bread from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor.
- Slice into pieces and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread
- Use fresh garlic for a more robust and aromatic flavor.
- Toast the bread slightly before adding the toppings if you prefer an extra crispy base.
- Try different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Experiment with toppings by adding sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or caramelized onions for extra depth of flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
Variations of Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread
1. BBQ Chicken Garlic Bread
Replace the cream cheese with BBQ sauce and add smoked gouda cheese for a tangy, smoky twist.
2. Buffalo Chicken Garlic Bread
Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, tangy kick.
3. Pesto Chicken Garlic Bread
Spread basil pesto instead of garlic butter and use provolone cheese for a fresh, herby variation.
4. Mushroom and Chicken Garlic Bread
Sauté mushrooms with butter and garlic and add them on top of the chicken mixture before baking for an earthy flavor boost.
5. Low-Carb Keto Version
Use a low-carb almond flour bread or a cauliflower crust as a base to make it keto-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the garlic bread with toppings and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread?
Yes, wrap the assembled (unbaked) bread in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy.
4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and saves time on cooking the chicken from scratch.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a fresh green salad, tomato soup, or a warm bowl of creamy mushroom soup for a satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the best elements of garlic bread, creamy chicken, and gooey cheese into one mouthwatering bite.
If you’re making it for a family dinner, a weekend snack, or a game-night appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
With endless variations and easy preparation, you can customize it to your liking and enjoy a cheesy, garlicky delight any time.
Try it out today and enjoy the irresistible flavors!